but not definitely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not definitely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or a lack of commitment to a statement or conclusion. Example: "I believe the event will take place next week, but not definitely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Probably, but not definitely.

Independent

"But not definitely.

The Guardian

(These questions are probably, but not definitely, related; workers haven't enjoyed the gains from their productivity in the past).

The Economist

Severe reactions may occasionally occur in sensitive individuals, and medical literature records one death possibly, but not definitely, attributable to fire-ant venom.

The New Yorker

She added that she expects a report from a histopathologist, who specializes in the effects of disease on body tissue, to yield more detailed findings and possibly – but not definitely – a specific cause of death.

The New York Times

The metastases are well delineated after 20 days but not definitely visible beforehand.

European Radiology Experimental

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But he had not definitely plighted his troth yet.Republican leaders are furious.

The Economist

But this does not definitely clarify what he thinks about them.

SEP

Maybe not, definitely not, but Sheppard has already paid for his miscalculation with his life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Women, not rubbish, but not easy, definitely not easy.

Independent

I drink the occasional glass of red wine, but not excessively, definitely not.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but not definitely", ensure the preceding statement implies a degree of likelihood or probability, so the phrase effectively qualifies that likelihood.

Common error

Avoid overusing phrases like "but not definitely" in a single piece of writing. Excessive hedging can make your argument seem weak and indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not definitely" functions as a qualifier or hedge. It is used to express uncertainty or a lack of complete assurance about a preceding statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not definitely" is a grammatically sound qualifier used to express uncertainty or a lack of complete assurance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While alternatives exist to convey similar meanings, "but not definitely" offers a straightforward and effective way to hedge claims or predictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though not certainly

Replaces "definitely" with "certainly", maintaining a similar level of uncertainty.

although not assuredly

Substitutes "definitely" with "assuredly", indicating a lack of complete assurance.

yet not conclusively

Emphasizes the absence of a final or decisive conclusion.

however not decisively

Focuses on the lack of a clear and definite decision.

even if not positively

Suggests a possibility without complete certainty.

while not unequivocally

Highlights the absence of an unambiguous or unquestionable confirmation.

if not explicitly

Indicates that something may be implied but not directly stated.

granted not absolutely

Acknowledges a condition while denying its absolute certainty.

albeit not infallibly

Admits a possibility of error or uncertainty.

supposing not unconditionally

Implies a condition or limitation on the certainty of something.

FAQs

How can I use "but not definitely" in a sentence?

Use "but not definitely" to express uncertainty about a statement, such as, "The project will likely be completed on time, but not definitely."

What are some alternatives to "but not definitely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "though not certainly", "although not assuredly", or "yet not conclusively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but not definitely"?

Yes, "but not definitely" is grammatically correct. It is a common construction used to qualify a statement and express a degree of uncertainty.

What's the difference between "but not definitely" and "but not certainly"?

"But not definitely" and "but not certainly" are very similar in meaning. "Certainly" implies a stronger degree of assurance than "definitely", so using "but not certainly" may suggest a slightly higher level of doubt.